Page 82 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Washington, DC

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w Washington Monument VISITORS’ CHECKLIST

Constructed of 36,000 pieces of marble and granite, the Practical Information
Washington Monument remains one of the most recognizable Independence Ave at 17th St, SW.
monuments in the capital. Funds for this tribute to the first Map 2 F5 & 3 B4. Tel (202) 426-6841.
∑ nps.gov/wamo Pick up free
president of the United States initially came from individual tickets from the Washington
citizens. A design by Robert Mills was chosen, and construction Monument Lodge (15th Street) or
began in 1848. When the money ran out, the building work book ahead at ∑ recreation.gov
stopped for 25 years. Then, in 1876, President Ulysses S. Grant Open 9am–5pm (Memorial Day–
Labor Day: to 10pm; last tour 15
approved an act authorizing the completion mins before closing). 7 =
of the project. A slight change in the color of Transport
stone marks the point where construction q Smithsonian. @ 13, 52.
resumed. The Monument has 897 steps to
the top. In August 2011 the monument Viewing
was damaged by an earthquake but has window
since been fully restored.

Elevator taking
visitors to top

The two-tone The Marble Capstone
stonework The capstone weighs 3,300
indicates the pounds (2,000 kg) and is
point at which topped by an aluminum
construction pyramid. Restoration of the
stopped in 1858 monument was carried out
and then began
The Original Design again in 1876. in 1934 as part of President
Although the original Roosevelt’s public works
design included a circular project (see p25).
colonnade around the
monument, lack of funds Commemorative stones
prohibited its construction. inside the monument are
donations from individuals,
societies, states, and nations.

50 flagpoles surrounding
the monument represent
each state

View of the Monument
The gleaming white stone of the
restored monument makes it The foundation of the
clearly visible from almost all monument is more
over the city. The views from than 36 ft (10 meters)
the top of the monu ment deep. The width of the
across Washington are stunning. base of the shaft is 55 ft
(17 meters).

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